Athens Part I

Just an hour outside of Atlanta lies a city that feels a whole world away, Athens.  Best known as the home of the University of Georgia Bull Dawgs, but as I was about to quickly find out Athens is not just about Saturday football games.  Athens is a community, a tightly knit one at that.  Athens is a community filled with local proprietors that have been open for generations, food that rivals that of any metro market, emerging artists in every shape and form, and families where parents do the daily commute to Atlanta just to raise their children in a place they feel is home.  This I all knew from hearing friends speak passionately about the town, but I was excited to experience it for myself and see the things to do in Athens, Georgia. 

First stop (per everyone’s suggestions on Instagram),  Last Resort.  A restaurant that has been serving locals for decades.  The food was fantastic and better yet cheap.  I noshed on a southwestern salad and the best grilled okra I’d had since being down south, Kathryn the grilled vegetable pasta a staple from her days as a Dawg.  We washed it all down with some rose of course and cake which was worth the hype.  A quick walk up the street we met Cheri and friends at Heery’s Closet to do a little shopping and attend the Empire State Finery trunk show.  From Tibi (a local Athens girl herself) to Tory, Joie and Theodosia I quickly understood why Heery’s was your best bet when it came to shopping local.  I snagged another ESF piece for my collection and even though the temperatures were in the 90’s I couldn’t resist this perfect Vince cashmere for fall.

After a brief break to catch our breath and a quick change of clothes we headed out for a Chef’s Dinner at the old Shotgun House.  Upon arriving and walking up the luminary lined drive I knew we were in for quite the evening.  Drawings from local artist Rebecca Wood graced the walls with tablescapes by the Beauty Everyday Ladies which included handmade creations of R.Wood Studio and Me Speak Designs.  Around every corner Chef’s from The National, SeaBear Oyster Bar, Home.made From Scratch, and Condor Chocolates were busy readying their course.  As more and more guests continued to arrive the home quickly became overflowing with glasses clinking and anticipation of what was to come.  And when the sun began to set and after numerous glasses of wine we all, a community, sat down in candlelight and enjoyed a dinner where I was too busy soaking in every moment to even snap a picture.  

Check out the gallery for more pics of day one, and come back on Monday when I share day two of our adventure with things to do in Athens Georgia.  Happy weekend Dolls!  Truly, MKR